Court: Pork-barrel grants legal

New York’s highest court Monday dismissed a lawsuit by a group of tea party affiliates who tried to end the practice of giving state funds to private organizations.

In a 5-2 decision, the state Court of Appeals said lawmakers, through the state budget, may earmark grants to specific organizations. A group of 50 Western New York-based taxpayers had sued to have the practice declared illegal.

Their claim outlined a slew of what they called “unlawful recipients,” ranging from the millions of dollars (Delphi Harrison, an auto parts manufacturer, $25 million; Rochester Rhinos soccer stadium, $5 million) to the few thousand (Long Island Wine Council, $25,000; Peconic River Sportsmen’s Club, $3,000).